Job Satisfaction and Perceived Gender Equality in Advanced Promotion Opportunities: An Empirical Investigation

Abstract

Does gender equality in advanced promotion opportunities in the workplace have consequences for job satisfaction? We use data collected from workers in six formerly socialist economies (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Serbia) to investigate the link between job satisfaction and the perceived chance that a woman would hold a senior‐level position at the firm. Among many survey participants, such a link exists and is positive; that is, these survey participants enjoy working at firms that promote gender balance at the top. The positive link is explained in part by worker personality/attitudes and firm characteristics, and in part by the result that participating workers often enjoy higher job satisfaction because they perceive the lack of ‘glass ceiling’ as a signal of improved own career opportunities. Among women, positive effects are more significant for younger workers. We discuss possible explanations for these findings, as well as cross‐country differences and policy implications.